2016 flu shots available

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The Warrnambool community is encouraged to get in early and receive an influenza vaccination, with the 2016 jab now available.

This year's vaccine provides immunity against four strains of influenza, up from three strains in 2015.

Last year there were 11,455 confirmed cases of influenza in Victoria with 109 cases in Warrnambool.

Warrnambool City Council Chief Medical Officer Dr Karoline Gunn said the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated.

“We know that the more people that get vaccinated, the better, because it reduces the risk of the virus spreading throughout the community,” she said.

“Influenza kills more people annually than road collisions so it is a very serious matter, especially for the elderly, pregnant women, or people with a pre-existing medical condition.”

The National Immunisation Program provides free vaccines for all people aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 6 months to 5 years and from 15 years, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions.

The free vaccine can be accessed from your GP or community health service.

People not in any of the above categories can still access the vaccine from their GP, usually for a small fee.